Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) is open to collaborating with like-minded politicians seeking a new political home.
Speaking at the party headquarters in Nairobi while welcoming elected members from the recent by-elections, Gachagua extended an invitation to leaders who may be affected by the anticipated split within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He said these leaders are welcome to join DCP and other parties under the United Opposition umbrella.
Gachagua accused President William Ruto of attempting to seize control of ODM following the death of its founder, Raila Odinga, a move he warned could weaken the party’s political influence both nationally and within its traditional strongholds.
“William Ruto has destroyed ODM and we are very saddened, and he told me, when I was deputy president, that he will finish it. If you allow ODM to be sold to Ruto, Junet Mohamed and Gladys Wanga, you will be a minority party. You will only get a few seats in Luo Nyanza,” he said.
Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, have pledged to back Ruto’s administration until 2027 as part of a broad-based coalition.
However, ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have expressed reluctance to support the government. Their stance has attracted criticism and raised speculation that they may face expulsion from the party.
Gachagua said that if ODM moves to oust them, they are welcome to run on DCP’s ticket in the 2027 General Election.
“Edwin Sifuna, you are a good leader. If William Ruto ousts you, you are welcome to DCP. He is a great Senator in Nairobi and I have no problem with DCP supporting Sifuna to be the Senator of Nairobi,” Gachagua said.
“Babu Owino, if you are ousted, this is your home, come home. And DCP is the party of Kenyan patriots, and if you feel uncomfortable in DCP, come to Wiper, our partner,” he added.
Gachagua believes ODM’s popularity will quickly decline if Ruto’s alleged takeover succeeds.
“Those in ODM, if you follow William Ruto, you will have no seats in Nairobi. He will only get 24,000 votes. He has no support in Nairobi,” he stated.
The former Deputy President also stressed that DCP welcomes leaders from all ethnic backgrounds and political affiliations, provided they share similar ideologies. He expressed confidence that the united opposition can secure all elective seats in the Nairobi region.
The post “Ruto Told Me He Would Finish ODM,” Gachagua Claims While Courting Sifuna and Babu Owino to DCP appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
By
By
